Test Category: Specialist Biochemistry
Investigation Name:Thallium – Urine
Alias or Abbreviation:Urine Tl, urine thallium to creatinine ratio
Accreditation:UKAS ISO15189: 2022 accredited test: On scope
Intro:
Thallium (Tl) is a colourless, odourless and tasteless metal once widely used as a rat poison, insecticide, and for the treatment of skin infections. It is currently used in the manufacture of electronics, alloys, optical lenses and gamma radiation detection equipment.Acute toxicity arises from ingestion of thallium salts. Chronic occupational exposure is largely via the absorption of salts through the skin or inhalation of contaminated dust, particularly from pyrite burners or cadmium manufacturing. Clinical features of severe toxicity include acute gastrointestinal symptoms and neuropathy with paraesthesia of the extremities, which can progress to muscle paralysis and eventual cardio-respiratory failure.
The most characteristic sign of thallium poisoning is whole body alopecia, which occurs 10-15 days post ingestion. Other signs include darkening of the hair follicles, Mee’s lines (white transverse bands on the nails) and psychological problems. Prussian blue, potassium chloride and haemodialysis are currently the only effective therapies available.
Exposure is usually assessed by measuring concentrations in urine. However, blood, may also be analysed, particularly in acute poisoning episodes.
Pathology Laboratory:Trace Metals Laboratory
Requestable Seperately?Yes
Units:nmol/mmol creatinine
Minimum Sample Volume:2 mL urine
Expected Turnaround Time: 7 working days.
Urgent analysis where clinically indicated may be arranged directly with the laboratory.
Test Code:UTL
Sample Type:
Random urine collected into a plain white -top universal container.Complex Reference Range:< 0.5 nmol/mmol creatinine
Referred to Another Laboratory?No
Storage Requirements:Store at 4°C prior to dispatch
Posting Address / Requirements:1st class post at ambient temperature.
Sandwell Health Campus,
Specialist Chemistry,
Pathology Department,
Lyndon,
B71 4HJ
NPEX / PDF Reporting Available:Yes
EQA Scheme:UK NEQAS for Trace Elements
Further information:We are a designated Supra-Regional Assay Service (SAS) Laboratory for Trace Elements.
Lead Contact Details:Dr Nicola Barlow, Consultant Clinical Scientist,
SAS Director Trace Elements Laboratory,
Email: nicola.barlow1@nhs.net
Email Address For Chasing Results:rwh-tr.bcpsspecialistchemistryenquiries@nhs.net
Methodology:Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Site Sample Tested:Sandwell Health Campus
Cost:Please email: bcpspathology.info@nhs.net for further details
Contact Number:Tel: 0121 507 5162
